Could you help families who have lost a loved one?

The families of victims of homicide and road death could miss out on the vital support they need if more specialist volunteer support workers aren't found, according to Victim Support.

The charity offers specialist support and help to people who have been bereaved through homicide, such as the families affected by the Cumbria shootings in June, which are still being supported five months on.

The service is the first of its kind in the world and last year they supported 1,320 people who had been affected by homicide and road deaths. But they say there is a need for more volunteers to help bereaved people and they are launching a campaign today to recruit and train 450 new specialist volunteers.

To support the launch, Victim Support also conducted research and found nearly half of us (49%) would be reluctant to volunteer our time to help victims of homicide because of a fear that we would not be able to give adequate support to victims and 40% would question their own emotional strength to help.

However Victim Support says even being able to help victims by doing everyday tasks such as doing the shopping, picking up children and keeping the house running can be of huge benefit to those suffering.

The charity is also looking for people with specialist knowledge of bereavement who can spare a few hours a week to give emotional support those in need.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Victim Support, the independent charity for victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales, need people to volunteer to help those affected by homicide and road death.

Victim Support gives emotional support and practical help to victims and witness of crime and depends upon dedicated, specially trained volunteers to do so.

Last year we supported 1,320 people who had been affected by homicide and road death. We are now seeking to extend the specialist help and support we give.